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Current: At the Conventions
The Collective Journalism team was on site in Denver and St. Paul for the 2008 nominating conventions. This is an hour-long show wrapping up our favorite CJ contributions. The Collective Journalism team was on site in Denver and St. Paul for the 2008 nominating conventions. This is an hour-long show wrapp... more
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Wordled DNC/RNC National Convention Speeches
I found this interesting. I'm not sure it reveals anything profound but it does provide a different way of looking at things. I wasn't able to reach any conclusions from it all; maybe you can.
What do you think?
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"It's all over: Years of planning, hours of speech-writing, millions spent on creating the venues to host thousands of Democratic and Republican convention attendees.
What remains are the words that the politicians spoke (or didn't), and the promises they made.
To re-cap those words, we thought we'd create a Wordle gallery of the most notable candidates', spouses', and supporters' speeches.
Wordle is an online application created by IBM's senior software engineer Jonathan Feinberg. Using text entered by its users, it creates visually alluring "word clouds" that show you the frequency at which words occur within that text. The more often a word occurs, the bigger it appears in the cloud." I found this interesting. I'm not sure it reveals anything profound but it does provide a different way of looking at things. I w... more -
It can't happen here? It already has/DNC & RNC suppression of liberty
As I write this, the precise authority under which members of the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department participated in raids of houses and private buildings in St. Paul and Minneapolis this weekend is unclear to me. I have heard from a very harried friend at the National Lawyers Guild that the break-ins and arrests of RNC protestors took place under the auspices of the Secret Service and Justice Department apparently FBI members participated in the raids.
But under whatever authority and in the name of whatever statutes at this point, the cause for detentions in Minneapolis has been given as conspiracy to commit riot, as flimsy and ad hoc a rationale as the infinitely elastic Homeland Security Offense listed on a police report to justify the detention in Minneapolis of independent journalists earlier last week which resulted in the seizure of their equipment and personal belongings it should be obvious that concerns about this country turning into a police state, a corporation-friendly fascist nation like Singapore or the People's Republic of China, are greatly misplaced. There's no need to worry about this happening in the United States.
It already has.
It should also be clear that both the wish list of expanded powers to spy on, arrest, and detain suspects without charge that got dropped into the Patriot Act and the whole War on Terror have as their ultimate objective not to make life difficult for terrorists. No. Like the equally bogus War on Drugs, they are designed to make it easier for law enforcement personnel at every level as always the chief line-of-defense of the propertied classes to terrorize American citizens. Citizens who should perhaps henceforth more properly be referred to as American subjects.
The erosion of civil liberties and constitutionally guaranteed rights in this country an erosion that, it cannot be emphasized enough, did not begin with George W. Bush but has proceeded apace under a succession of Administrations, both Democratic and Republican makes all the eloquent calls we heard from Denver for unity and restoring the American Dream little more than hollow rhetoric. At the national level, both major parties are knee deep in creating and nurturing the military-industrial-congressional complex the genesis of the national security state that Eisenhower warned more than 50 years ago posed the gravest threat of all against democracy and the rule of law.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What we see unfolding in Minneapolis now is courtesy of both parties in our Congress. Those who voted for the Patriot Act and its reauthorization along with the Military Commissions Act, and those who recently voted to allow more spying on American citizens and immunity to those doing it. After eight years of protesting this regime, trying to hold Democrats to a higher standard, and spending countless hours standing up to the murdering traitors that subverted our White House, I feel empty looking at all of this. I feel as if my country is no more. What Democrats will now come out and decry the constitutional abuses going on during this RNC convention? Kudos to the American ctiizens standing up for our freedoms. They are the reason the coward Bush won't show up at the convention, but is speaking via satellite. He is afraid to come close to the American people because he knows he is a criminal who should be arrested, tried, and convicted for crimes and misdemeanors against the constitution and crimes against humanity. So, Nancy Pelosi, how do you like what you and your party have enabled?
cont. As I write this, the precise authority under which members of the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department participated in raids of hou... more -
DNC: Protests
In the streets of Denver, riot police and protestors were out in force, and a clash was inevitable.
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Tension over protests higher in St. Paul than in Denver
On the eve of the Republican National Convention, uncertainty is blowing through the host city at Category 5.
Not only are people wondering how Sen. John McCain and the GOP will have to alter the convention’s messages because of Hurricane Gustav and the painful reminders of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, but there now are big questions about how the expected street protests will play out.
Local and national media outlets have reported that there have been multiple raids on places where anti-war protesters are gearing up for a massive rally Monday, just before the convention’s opening.
The Hill newspaper, citing the National Lawyer Guild (NLG), reports that the Ramsey County Sheriff’s office, which leads the local law enforcement effort, has raided at least three homes and made several arrests.
Minnesota Public Radio reported that authorities had seized gallons of urine, wrist rockets and kerosene – just the sort of unconventional weapons that were feared, but never emerged, during the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Protesters have vowed to go forward with a rally of tens of thousands of people on Monday, when President Bush had been scheduled to speak. (Bush's appearance reportedly is in doubt due to the response to the hurricane.)
The RNC Welcoming Committee, an “anarchist/anti-authoritarian” group planning to “crash the convention,” has been giving regular updates on the protests – including names of those it says have been detained -- through its web site, www.nornc.org,
The group’s web site promotes a whole host of protest activities planned for Sept. 1 to Sept. 4, saying: “the Republican Party is coming to Minnesota to celebrate their latest conquests in global domination and exploitation. We of the RNC Welcoming Committee want to make sure that this time the fear-mongers will be met with their own biggest fear: people mobilized, organized, and taking the future back into their own hands.”
Similar rhetoric was used by protest planners before the Democratic National Convention in Denver, where there were some high-profile confrontations between demonstrators and police but fewer arrests, conflicts and incidents than in past national party conventions.
Will higher tensions translate into more trouble during the RNC? Stay tuned On the eve of the Republican National Convention, uncertainty is blowing through the host city at Category 5. ... more -
Fantastic Dimensions 104 - Balticon 42
Welcome to the fouth edition of Fantastic Dimensions a video weblog which explores the events, the culture, the places, the people of science fiction fandom.
This episode was shot at Balticon 42, held May 23-26, 2008 at Marriott’s Hunt Valley Inn.
In this edition, you’ll meet Charlotte Christine de Colde as embodied by Bayani Caes, you’ll experience a Dune rock opera performed by Bene Gesserit Witch (Nathaniel Willis and Kenneth Marseilles), and an interview with the delightful Bronx Babes (Bonnie-Ann L. Black and Mary Ann Johanson). Welcome to the fouth edition of Fantastic Dimensions a video weblog which explores the events, the culture, the places, the people of ... more -
CJ at the Conventions!
The Collective Journalism team will be on-site in Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul working with contributors to share their personal experiences of the conventions.
Are you going to be there? Let us know! Send an email to feeback AT current.com, subject "Coventions". Or send a current.com message to afitzgerald.
Keep an eye on the current.com/election page for updates and video from the conventions. The Collective Journalism team will be on-site in Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul working with contributors to share their personal ex... more -
Campaign Update 08/22/08
The Conventions are coming, Denver prepares for tactfully restrained free speech, and Barack Obama tries to figure out how to hit John McCain.
CAMPAIGN UPDATE knows that election news and weird jokes go together like a popped-collar meathead and a vacant-eyed blonde. Created by Mark Ganek and Brett Erlich, Campaign Update strives to be the dumbest smart show on television.
Bookmark us and check us out every weekday at current.com/campaignupdate. The Conventions are coming, Denver prepares for tactfully restrained free speech, and Barack Obama tries to figure out how to hit John... more -
UnConventionally Yours
Trace Crutchfield, gonzo purist and world traveler, is infamous for reporting from exotic locations such as the Favelas of Sao Paolo to the shoe closet of Imelda Marcos for VBS, Superdeluxe and MTV. His latest stop: VC2 producer and Current correspondent at the DNC.
The summer of 2008's Republican and Democratic Conventions offer an opportunity for Current TV to launch a new brand of political coverage aimed at the 18-30 year old demographic. Political gadflies in lock step with Party foot soldiers will swarm Denver and Minneapolis looking for a refuge to pull together shaky party unities. But will the distractions prove too tempting to conventioneers immersed in the political super bowls of their lives? And will the host cities be as welcoming as each local Party officials hope?
Host, Trace Crutchfield will alternate interviewing politicos and local "insurgents" (extremists who plan to cause disruptions) with a detailed City Guide that explores the fringes of each town --beautiful fashionistas, marginalized characters and locals only joints-- the kinds of people and places Current's audience won't find in a conventional or online guide.
Show 1, "UnConventionally Yours, Denver" will delve into the mile high city. Will the wild westerners of Denver prove too tough for out of town Democrats gassed on sparkling wine and arugula? Can the Democrats resuscitate the Clinton squeaky wheel political machine in time to carry Senator Obama to the White House? Does Tom Tancredo ride the city bus? Trace Crutchfield, gonzo purist and world traveler, is infamous for reporting from exotic locations such as the Favelas of Sao Paolo t... more -
Outtake: DenverOutros
Trace Crutchfield, gonzo purist and world traveler, is infamous for reporting from exotic locations such as the Favelas of Sao Paolo to the shoe closet of Imelda Marcos for VBS, Superdeluxe and MTV. His latest stop: VC2 producer and Current correspondent at the DNC.
Fireworks and farewells. Trace bids adieu to the Mile High City. Trace Crutchfield, gonzo purist and world traveler, is infamous for reporting from exotic locations such as the Favelas of Sao Paolo t... more -
Outtake: Mickey's Diner Extras
A bit more o' that greasy spoon
Trace Crutchfield, gonzo purist and world traveler, is infamous for reporting from exotic locations such as the Favelas of Sao Paolo to the shoe closet of Imelda Marcos for VBS, Superdeluxe and MTV. His latest stop: VC2 producer and Current correspondent at the DNC. A bit more o' that greasy spoon ... more -
Outtake: Larry Craig & the Airport
Trace gets the ol' foot tap in the men's room at the Minneapolis airport.
Trace Crutchfield, gonzo purist and world traveler, is infamous for reporting from exotic locations such as the Favelas of Sao Paolo to the shoe closet of Imelda Marcos for VBS, Superdeluxe and MTV. His latest stop: VC2 producer and Current correspondent at the DNC. Trace gets the ol' foot tap in the men's room at the Minneapolis airport. ... more -
Outtake: Ralph Gean
The Barak Hussein Obama Bin Laden Blues.
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This is why I hope Al Gore does not speak at DNC convention
And let me explain that title to those who still thrive on speculation even in direct antithesis to the man's own words about not wanting any VP spot he already served in for eight years, any spot in a cabinet, nor any spot in an administration. Amazing that those in Internetland who claim to support him still think he lies about such things. Of course, the fact that he is busy doing something far bigger escapes them so it isn't really a surprise.
Now onto the more important reason why this video is why I hope he doesn't speak at the DNC convention. I understand that Mr. Gore is a loyal Democrat and I respect that even though I have personally had it with them. However, I also understand that he sees the big picture as well, which is why I love and respect him so much... That the climate crisis is not nor should it ever be debased to being a partisan political issue because that will be its death knell.
And I do believe that in order for him to maintain his credibility on this issue that he should not speak at either convention, or speak at both of them to relay the true urgency of what this world now faces in the clutches of climate change. Speaking at only one will give the impression that he sees the solutions as only being one sided after stating it should not be partisan, and that is not good for progress.
And I don't believe he believes that, because this video which is the next one put out by the WE Campaign will air during both conventions... that's right, you read it right political partisans, both conventions.
Do you see it now?
Do you not see that the glacier melt occurring three times faster than anticipated is far more important than you having something else to speculate about? Do you not see the pervasive and severe droughts covering over half the world and causing famine, diseases, and lack of water as more important than your condemnations of him for not "doing anything" to be involved in this political campaign season when this is it and it is now you who must be involved in the campaign to save the sustainability of this planet and our species? Do you not see that Mr. Gore's challenge to this country to be powered by 100% renewable energy in 10 years is bigger than your petty fantasies?
Therefore, Mr. Gore, if by some chance you or someone who knows you happens to read this, here is my advice... don't speak at the DNC convention. Let this ad speak for you to tell those in the Democratic and Republican parties who still shun their moral obligation to this planet and the people that they will not be allowed to continue the status quo, nor will their candidates who are both now bowing to the whims of polls.
By not speaking at either convention you actually speak loud and clear for Mother Earth and for something far more important than the sideshow of a convention: You speak for all those who can't speak for themselves because of the lack of political will that has led us to this point.
However, if you do decide to do so, consider the use of a hologram as you did at Live Earth or a video link up perhaps. The last thing I want to read in the news again are the same whiners complaining over your carbon emissions to distract from their own culpability in this. And let me explain that title to those who still thrive on speculation even in direct antithesis to the man's own words about not... more -
Unconventionally Yours, with Trace Crutchfield
UNCONVENTIONALLY YOURS with TRACE CRUTCHFIELD
A Convention Special | August 20th & 21st | 10:30PM EST / 7:30PM PT
The Democratic National Convention in Denver
The Wednesday 08/20 10:30PM ET / 7:30PM PT (Repeats 1:30AM ET)
The Republican National Convention in Minnesota
Thursday 08/21 10:30PM ET / 7:30PM PT (Repeats 1:30AM ET) UNCONVENTIONALLY YOURS with TRACE CRUTCHFIELD A Convention Special | August 20th & 21st | 10:30PM EST / 7:30PM PT ... more -
Huge protests expected at political conventions
Thousands of protesters are expected to jam the streets of Denver and St. Paul at the Republican and Democratic conventions in a noisy counterpoint to the parties' carefully scripted speeches. Thousands of protesters are expected to jam the streets of Denver and St. Paul at the Republican and Democratic conventions in a noisy... more
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For the Love of Pez
Remember how much you loved Pez as a kid? If you hadn't thrown them out along with your baseball card collection, you could be sitting on a down payment for a house. Remember how much you loved Pez as a kid? If you hadn't thrown them out along with your baseball card collection, you could be s... more
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Live streaming politics: Netroots Nation
Netroots Nation 2008 is in full swing this weekend in Austin, Texas - but you can join in from your couch in your PJ's if you'd rather.
The convention, formerly known as YearlyKos, is an outgrowth of popular blog DailyKos. You can watch all of the action (or at least all of the keynotes and panels) at netrootsnation.org. Netroots Nation 2008 is in full swing this weekend in Austin, Texas - but you can join in from your couch in your PJ's if you... more -
US election 2008: Public to attend Obama convention speech
Suzanne Goldenberg Washington The Guardian, Tuesday July 8, 2008
Article history
Barack Obama is aiming to open up the Democratic convention's pivotal moment to the public. Photograph Larry W Smith/EPA
Barack Obama, hoping to inject new energy into the Democratic convention, will break with tradition and deliver his first speech as the party's presidential nominee before an audience of 75,000 people in Denver. The party said yesterday it would open up the convention's pivotal moment to public spectators.
The move was intended to symbolise Obama's promise of a transformational presidency, as well as the historic aspect of his candidacy as the first African-American to lead a major party into a US election, the party said.
"The Democratic party is nominating a true change candidate this August, and it is only fitting that we make some big changes in how we put on the convention," Howard Dean, the party's national committee chairman, said. "By bringing the last night of the convention out to the people we will be able to showcase Barack Obama's positive, people-centred vision for our country."
The plan also aims to capitalise on Obama's talents as an orator who can excite large audiences, unlike the Republican candidate, John McCain.
Invesco Field, the outdoor stadium in Denver where Obama will deliver his acceptance speech on the last day of the convention, has more than three times the capacity of the centre where Democrats will hold their meeting at the end of August. That venue holds about 20,000.
Obama's speech on August 28 will be on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's historic "I Have a Dream" address in Washington.
After a week devoted to themes of God and country, Obama and McCain yesterday shifted the focus of their campaigns to the more immediate issues of the economic and energy crises. McCain led off his economic campaign with a promise to cut the record deficits of the Bush administration to produce a balanced budget by 2013. Current projections suggest there will be a $443bn (£224bn) deficit in 2013, fuelled by spending on the Iraq war and Bush's tax cuts. McCain aides sharpened their attacks on Obama as a conventional liberal who would raise taxes.
In a conference call with reporters, Steve Forbes, the onetime independent candidate who is serving as a McCain economic adviser, said Obama's policies would devastate the economy. He also accused Obama of changing positions. "This gets to the whole credibility problem with Senator Obama saying one thing and then doing another," he said.
McCain, in a visit to Denver, took Obama to task for his opposition to the Republican's proposal for a summer reprieve on petrol taxes. "For a guy whose official seal carried the motto 'Yes, we can', Senator Obama's agenda sure has a whole lot of 'No, we can't'," McCain said.
Obama yesterday outlined a $50bn economic stimulus package, which he said would provide some security to middle income families, during an unscheduled stop in St Louis, Missouri. He had been scheduled to travel to North Carolina, but was diverted to St Louis by technical difficulties.
In his speech, Obama accused McCain of favouring big oil companies and multi-millionaires with $300bn in tax cuts. "If this sounds familiar, it's because it's exactly what George Bush has done for the last eight years," Obama said. Suzanne Goldenberg Washington The Guardian, Tuesday July 8, 2008 Article history ... more
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Conventions
